Dan Hartill’s story June 14 about the nationwide increase in average road speeds covered many salient points. However, like most discussions about that subject, the article shows that the obvious reason why the trend is happening doesn’t seem to be identified: In many places, speed limits are too low.

The well-recognized principle of 85th-percentile speed (referring to the method for setting a road’s true “comfort-level” rate, based on what 85 percent of all drivers maintain given no artificial restraints) seldom seems to be mentioned, and probably not used very often by those placing limits.

Drivers are quite good at reaching and maintaining an appropriate speed in most circumstances, though specific unseen conditions, such as an upcoming school zone, a bus turnaround or gravel pit entrance, cause the traffic engineers to provide signs and lower limits. Everyone has those pieces of road they drive where they seem to have trouble staying at the limit when there is light traffic. The turnpike, especially, is a good example; and many improved rural roads with easy curves, good sightlines and ample shoulders often seem posted too low.

Well, they probably are.

The 55-mph national speed limit was an emergency measure that was allowed to remain in place way too long, and I believe that has had the unintended effect of weakening respect for both limits and law-enforcement.

A tightening of enforcement, especially on sections of highway with inappropriate limits, will only further engender such attitudes among the driving public.

Richard T. McSherry, Norway

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